Tag: Fabric Types

A Moment to Refocus

About a month ago we started hearing mixed reviews about fabric masks and Covid-19. When I started hearing about this, I was extremely conflicted, EXTREMELY!!!! Phee Fabrics has stocked Art Gallery Fabrics for about a year, we have hosted sew alongs using it and we have all praised the quality of the fabric. Before I would agree to make any masks I wanted to make sure I was doing the best possible thing and I knew a bandana was NOT the answer.

I was comparing fabrics and repeatedly I keep hearing “where can I get the cheapest fabric?”, “these are just for donation”, “I’m just going to use what’s in my stash”, “Joann’s is sold out”, “I can’t find solids”( BTW, Phee is fully stocked in solids), etc. and I feel the need to speak up and explain why I chose AGF.

Did you know that the average thread count for quilting cottons is sixty?!?! That’s right! 60! Which means even with 3 layers, it is still thinner than the Art Gallery 205 thread count. The masks I decided to make have three layers, including a pocket to add a filter. Art Gallery is OEKO TEK certified. What does that mean? It means that it’s safe to breathe in, safe against your skin, safe for the planet. It also has the LOWEST shrinkage in the industry, only 1 -3%.

Knowing all this, I decided that I needed to do something to help. There was so much controversy about selling masks vs. donations, like you couldn’t do both or we have a right to judge someone when we don’t know their circumstances, but here’s the thing. Like many of us, we sew for a variety of reasons. Stress relief, income, we enjoy it, the list goes on and on. Batch sewing takes a toll on us, our bodies, our mind, it takes time away from our families, it puts a lot of wear and tear on our machines (some breaking), constant needle changes, broken irons and lets not even discuss the amount of empty spools that we have gone through.

So I started sewing masks. I found myself sewing from 7 am til 8-9 pm with very few breaks. If I stopped I felt guilty. I was getting messages like ” I can come over right now to pick some up”, ” I really need one today”. People who don’t sew don’t know what goes into it, the love we put into our items, the mental and physical exhaustion that we feel.

I feel like I need to tell you something. You are amazing! You are doing a good job! You deserve a break! You are allowed to binge watch whatever show or movie or want to decompress (yes, Carole Baskin did it). You deserve that long bath! It is perfectly ok to stop batch sewing masks to spend some time with your family. It is ok to stop mask sewing because you just want to sew something else, sew something for yourself.

During my mask making frenzy, my son outgrew his pants. I decided to take a day to make him a pair of shorts. I let him choose the pattern and fabrics. I used my Art Gallery cotton in Patina Green, a fat quarter from the Her & History Bundle and a tank top in Cream Rayon Spandex. After I finished them, guess what happened? I felt refreshed, balanced, back to being me. Now, I will continue to sew masks and surgical caps but I know that it’s ok to sew something else too.

I can’t wait to see your creations, thank you to every person who donated to our Pay it Forward program and supporting my small business.

Happy Sewing

Melissa

by Categories: Fabric TypesTags: 3 Comments

Phee Fabrics is turning 3!

The start of Phee was in 2014. In March of 2017 we made an internet presence, starting with Facebook. Since then we have expanded to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and a blog. Phee Fabrics sources majority of fabrics from the USA, thoroughly tests all fabrics prior to stocking and is housed with industrial air purifiers that filter out 99.99% of airborne particles. Reviewing the last three years has been an interesting ride with some hits, some misses, bonds made and accepting everyone for the things that unify us instead of divide. All of this would be impossible without you. Thank you. Starting on March 13, 2020 we are kicking off our celebration. So look across our platforms for some giveaways from gracious sponsors with daily giveaways

New Horizon Designs Prize: 2 patterns, 2 winners plus 30% off from 3/14 – 3/17. Prize winners: Angie Swartz Griggs and Shannon Elizabeth Rice

Violette Field Threads Prize: shop credit plus 30% off 3/14 – 3/16. Prize winner: Kelsey Garnhart

Hey June Handmade Prize: one pattern plus 20% off til March 20, 2020. Prize winner: Kim Korstjens

Sofiona Designs Prize: shop credit plus 20% off til March 20, 2020. Prize winner: Roxann King

Madalynn Prize: 8228 Simplicity Pattern. Prize winner: IG name SewBeachLife. Paying it Forward to a different entry.

Twig + Tale Prize: $ 25 shop credit. Prize winner: Nichole Langmeyer

Swim Style Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winner: Jenifer Kae

Patterns for Pirates Prize: $20 shop credit. Prize winner: Christina Thelen

Designer Stitch Prize: $25 shop credit. Prize Winner: Erin Cooper

Lowland Kids Prize: $25 shop credit. Prize Winner: Jessica Hermansen

Striped Swallow Designs Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Carrie Giarrusso Davitz

Friday Pattern Company Prize: one pattern. Prize Winner: Jan Crawford

Sonia Estep Designs Prize: Two $20 shop credits, 2 winners plus 30% off patterns using code CONGRATSPHEE from 3/16 – 3/20. Prize winner: Carolyn Miller McGinnis and Em Webber

Shwin Designs Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Jan Crawford

Sinclair Patterns Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winners: Laura Maughan and Danita Courtney

Sew House Seven Prize: $15 shop credit. Prize winner: Alex Harman

Trish Newbery Prize: $15 shop credit. Prize winner: Callie Gable

CKC Patterns Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Julie Earnest

Miko Sewing Patterns Prize: pattern bundle. Prize winner: Rachel Webb

5 out of 4 Prize: $20 shop credit. Prize winner: Jennifer Willman

Winter Wear Designs Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winner: Erika Jessin Pin

DIBY Club Prize: one pattern plus 15% off patterns from 3/24 -3/31. Prize winner: Kelsey Garnhart

If you have used Phee Fabrics to create anything from these designers we would love to see it! Please submit your photos with pattern name, designer and fabric used to customer.service@pheefabrics.com

The celebration begins March 13,2020. Check the newsletter for updates. If you aren’t signed up, you can do so here. To claim your prize please email customer.service@pheefabrics.com no later than March 31,2020.

Thank you for making this all possible

Melissa

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A Time to Reflect

As the end of a decade approaches, I find myself reflecting on how everything has changed. Life happened, struggles happened, happiness and sadness. I am more grateful than ever for the things that I went without because it makes me appreciate the things and people that I do have.

When I started this business in 2014 I had a vision. I strived for a team of relatable people who could appreciate high quality fabric and people who knew the difference. People who were NOT like each other but was able to be united by a common bond, sewing. I thought my requirements were simple: Be accepting, patient, loyal and a team player… I thought it was that simple.

I have always lived by the motto “Don’t talk about it; Be about it”

Going in to a new decade, 2020 is a restructuring. At the end of December I started a “Pay it Forward” campaign. In times of struggle, everyone can use a pick-me-up. Something that makes you smile. A lot of us use sewing as a stress release, therapy, a way of providing clothes. As a kid, my mother dropped me off at a foster home with nothing more than the clothes on my back. If it wasn’t for the kindness of the other foster children in the home I wouldn’t have anything to wear. I will always be grateful for those three girls. Since the beginning of Phee, I have taken the fabrics from scrap packs and clothes that my son has grown out of and donated them to a local foster home.

Our ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign started with $100 from Phee Fabrics. The goal is to provide sewists with durable, high quality fabric to make something for others in need. Whether it’s a garment for the homeless, a child in the system, a child you foster, a friend who is struggling, a stranger, if you are going through a hard time and need something. There is no judgement. Only compassion and understanding. This is based on the honor system and with everything, a learning experience.

This campaign does not have unlimited funds, it relies on donations. I hope that there will always be funds available but that isn’t a guarantee. Giving feels as good as receiving. We ask to only take what you need. Not use it because you want to try Phee Fabrics for free or to add to your stash.

I ask that you please share this as much as possible. Spreading the word will only help everyone. If you would like to donate or are in need please email customer.service@pheefabrics.com or fill out the form below.

Thank you so much for being creative souls. You are accepted and valued.

Melissa

by Categories: Fabric TypesTags: 5 Comments

Woven Apparel Roundup

During the middle of October 2019 Phee Fabrics introduced Art Gallery Fabrics. As always, Phee strives for greatness and that doesn’t stop with introducing wovens. Currently there are three different bases being offered. 100% cotton woven, rayon and canvas. We will be introducing Art Gallery Cotton Jersey shortly. As well as adding to our collection. 

Using Art Gallery Cotton Woven and Rayon for clothing:

Using Graceful Bouquet in cotton to create The Washi Dress by Made By Rae

The Deer & Doe Magnolia Dress in Flowery Chant Subtle comes in a long or short version, slit or no slit, short or long sleeves. With a drafted hip measurement up to 60″.

The Luna Dress By Violette Field Threads using Powder Bloom and Femme Metale Boho

The Twig & Tale Trailblazer Vest was quilted with 2″ spacing using Dinosauria and Camouflage Pretense. Adding a reversible zipper will make this vest reversible since the lining is enclosed.

Using Delicate Balance Sienna, Delicate Balance Alabaster and Painted Prairie Anthesis to create The Violette Field Threads Pepper and the Little Lizard King Bellevue. This patterns will be featured in sew along hosted by Whitney Decker starting on December 2,2019 in the Phee Fabrics Sew Along Group on Facebook.

What do you want to make? We love seeing hard work and photos on Instagram and Facebook

Melissa

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Woven Bag Patterns

During the middle of October 2019 Phee Fabrics introduced Art Gallery Fabrics. As always, Phee strives for greatness and that doesn’t stop with introducing wovens. Currently there are three different bases being offered. 100% cotton woven, rayon and canvas. We will be introducing Art Gallery Cotton Jersey shortly. As well as adding to our collection.

Using Art Gallery Cotton Woven and Canvas for bag making:

Sierra used Powder Bloom and Botanists Essay to create large Paladin Bag with Purse Hack by Sew Sweetness.

Foxes in Fall was used to create a medium Paladin Bag without the purse hack by Sew Sweetness

The ugly naked guy hobo by Sincerely, Jen Pattern Company was made with Evergreens Frozen

The Redwood Tote by Noodlehead was made in two different versions using Flowerfield Sunset and Night Talks.

Mystical Woods Solar was used in making a mini Denver backpack by Swoon Patterns.

These mini wallets are all made using Art Gallery Cotton Woven. With the pattern and fabrics all available at Phee. If you are interested in purchasing this mini wallet pattern, find it HERE

Happy Sewing and we can’t wait to see all your bags.

Melissa

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Rainbow Skirt Tutorial

Once Phee Fabrics got mustard rayon spandex in, I knew it was time to make some rainbow skirts for my nieces and daughter. So I ordered the following 13 oz rayon spandex colors, 1/2 yard each:

Cherry, Mustard, Olive, Royal Blue, Orchid

If you’re planning on making as many skirts as I did, and want to have matching waistbands, I suggest ordering 1 yard of the heathered charcoal. I used some oatmeal and light heathered gray ribbing that I already had for 2 of the skirts.

Start with a circle skirt pattern, and remove the seam allowance (this will most likely be the side seam). Your pattern piece is 1/4th of your full circle, so it needs to be broken into thirds. I found this easiest to fold the pattern piece as seen below.

Cut one piece of the 3 sections off from the pattern, and that is your pattern piece. You’ll need to add your seam allowance for piecing the panels together, I did this when cutting my pieces out of the fabric with a clear ruler.

Cut two panels from each color and piece together in rainbow order.

You’ll end up with 2 halves of the skirt, front and back. Sew them together to form your circle skirt.

For the waistband, I created a foldover yoga waistband. What’s funny, is that in all this, I finally learned how to use the rolled hem on my serger. I probably could have removed the second needle, but I left it in place, so it looks more like a narrow serged edge.

My Nieces and daughter will love these super soft colorful skirts so much, I can’t wait to see their faces!

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